Xi'an Travel Tips
Travel with reliable tour agencies.
There are a lot of self-employed guides, illegal travel agencies and low-priced tours in Xi’an. They take tourists to a lot of souvenir stores, leaving shorter time for sightseeing. Also, their travel itineraries are not arranged professionally and visitors cannot fully enjoy themselves.
Must-go Attractions in Xi’an
Xi’an boasts a lot of historic relics, such as Terra Cotta Army, City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Except Terracotta Army, which is 40 km (25 mi) northeast of downtown, almost all the sites can be reached by metro.
See more about How Many Days in Xi’an Needed?
Be Aware of Fake Bus Tourism No.5 (306) to Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army |
The fake one takes visitors to a lot of souvenir stores and overcharges. Remember that the real one is parking on the east square of Xi’an Railway Station and there is usually a line of visitors getting onboard one after another; and its conductors don’t leave the bus to cry out for passengers.
It’s not easy to hail a taxi.
The driver can reject passengers sometimes, especially during peak hours from 07:00-09:00 and 17:00-19:00 on work days.
Where to stay
The hotels near Bell Tower, the very city center are your first choice, because of the convenient transportation, abundant dining choices, colorful night life, and various shopping malls and souvenir stores. Other recommended areas include Giant Big Wild Goose Pagoda for amazing night scenery and night life and metro line neighborhood for convenient transportation.
Read more: Where to Stay in Xi’an China – 8 Best Areas
Places to Eat Local Snacks: Muslim Quarter and Yong Xing Fan
You can enjoy Crumbled Flatbread in Mutton Stew (Yangrou Paomo), Rou Jia Mo and Liangpi and Biang Biang Noodles here. Plus, respect Muslim customs in Muslim Quarter.
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit is implemented in Xi'an
Passport holders of 54 countries and regions can enjoy a visa-free stay up to 144 hours when taking an international transfer via Xi'an Xianyang International Airport.
Is western toilet or squat toilet used in Xi’an?
The vast majority of public toilets here are squat toilets, like in shopping malls, scenic spots, railway stations and airport; but usually one or two western toilets can be found in a large wash room. Remember to bring some toilet paper with you; not all public toilets provide it. The toilets in hotels mainly are western toilets.
Is Xi’an safe?
It is safe here. However, as a popular tourist city, more and more domestic and foreign tourists come here and some scenic spots and transportation hubs are crowded. If you come with children, be sure to look after your children to prevent them going lost. Besides, please take care of your phone and wallets since pick-pockets are plentiful in tourist areas.
Free WiFi is widely available.
You can find it in your hotel room, most restaurants, cafés, shopping malls and even attraction sites.
Hospital in Xi'an |
Which hospital to go to if I feel sick?
Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital
Address: No. 256, West Youyi Road
Tel: (029) 85251331
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University
Address: No. 157, Xi Wu Road
Tel: 029-87679000, 029-87679323
Xi’an Children’s Hospital
Address: No.69, Xijuyuan lane, Xinmen
Tel: 029-87311818
Post office you may need
Bell Tower Post Office
Address: Northeast corner of Bell Tower Square
Xiao Zhai Branch
Address: No.3, West Xiao Zhai Road
Bank of China in Xi’an: Offer Money Exchange Service
Bell Tower Branch
Address: No. 29, South Street, Beilin District
Drum Tower Branch
Address: No. 133, South Guangji Street, Beilin District
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Branch
Address: No. 1, Middle Section of Yanta Road, Beilin District
Emergency Numbers:
Fire: 119
Traffic: 122
Ambulance: 120
Police: 110
Useful Numbers:
Zip code Inquiry: 11185
Taxi Complain: 96716
Mayor’s Hotline: 87295170
Tourists Complain: 12301
Shaanxi Tourists Complain: 118114
Consumption Complain: 12315
Telephone Number Inquiry: 114
Public Buses Complain: 16801315
China Mobile Customer Hotline: 10086
China Unicom Customer Hotline: 10010
China Telecom Customer Hotline: 10000
Recommended Tour Itineraries:
Heritages of Ancient City: 2 Days Luxury Tour in the city
Historical Xi'an: 3 Days Luxury Visit of the city
Golden Triangle: 8 Days visit extended to Beijing and Shanghai
More Xi'an Tours